This warm and comforting wonton soup is perfect for chilly days. Filled with tasty meat and veggies wrapped in delicate dough, it’s a bowl of happiness!
I love how easy it is to make a pot of this soup when I want something soothing. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy fishing out those delightful little wontons? They’re like treasure! 🥢
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Pork: This provides the main protein in the wontons. If you’re looking for alternatives, ground chicken or turkey can work well. For a vegetarian option, try using finely chopped mushrooms and tofu!
Shrimp: Shrimp gives a nice flavor boost, but it’s optional. You can replace it with more ground meat or skip it altogether. Canned mushrooms can also be a great substitute for added texture.
Wonton Wrappers: Fresh or frozen wonton wrappers are found in most grocery stores. If you can’t find them, you can use dumpling wrappers or even make your own with flour and water, but it takes more time!
Bok Choy: This leafy green adds nutrition and crunch. Substitute with spinach or kale if bok choy isn’t available. Just make sure to adjust cooking time since these greens wilt quickly.
How Do You Properly Assemble Wontons?
Assembling wontons can be tricky, but with a little practice, it’s fun! Here’s how:
- Start with a clean surface to work on.
- Place a wonton wrapper in front of you with a point facing downwards.
- Spoon 1 teaspoon of the filling into the center. Don’t overfill; it helps seal them better!
- Moisten the edges with water to help seal.
- Fold the wrapper diagonally to form a triangle. Press out excess air and seal the edges tightly.
- If you want the traditional shape, bring the two corners of the triangle together and pinch them to seal. Just like making a little dumpling hat!
Take your time, and don’t worry if your wontons aren’t perfect! They will still taste delicious.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Wontons in the Soup?
Cooking wontons in the soup is all about timing and temperature:
- Bring the broth to a gentle simmer; too much boiling can break the wontons apart.
- Drop in the wontons a few at a time. This helps prevent them from sticking together.
- Cook until they start floating, usually about 4-5 minutes. That’s when you know they’re done!
Using these methods will help keep your wontons intact for a delightful soup experience!
Wonton Soup Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Wontons:
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1/4 cup finely chopped shrimp (optional)
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp white pepper
- 30-40 wonton wrappers
For the Soup:
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1-inch piece ginger, sliced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp salt, adjust to taste
- Bok choy, halved or quartered (about 1 cup)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
Optional:
- Chili oil or chili flakes for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 30 minutes of prep time and about 15 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’re looking at about 45 minutes from start to finish! You’ll be enjoying a delicious homemade wonton soup in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Wonton Filling:
In a bowl, combine the ground pork, chopped shrimp (if using), green onions, grated ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and white pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated. This is what makes your wontons packed with flavor!
2. Assemble the Wontons:
Place a wonton wrapper on a clean surface. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of filling into the center of the wrapper. Moisten the edges of the wrapper with water, fold it in half to form a triangle, and press out any excess air to seal the edges tightly. If you want a traditional shape, bring the two opposite corners together and pinch to seal. Repeat this process with the remaining wrappers and filling.
3. Prepare the Soup Broth:
In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Add the smashed garlic, sliced ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and salt. Allow the broth to simmer gently for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Once done, remove the garlic and ginger slices with a slotted spoon or strain the broth if desired.
4. Cook the Wontons:
Return the broth to a gentle simmer. Carefully drop the wontons into the broth one at a time, a few at a time, to prevent sticking. Cook until the wontons float to the surface and are cooked through—this should take about 4-5 minutes.
5. Add Bok Choy:
Add the bok choy to the pot and cook for another 1-2 minutes until tender and bright green.
6. Serve:
Ladle the wontons, broth, and bok choy into serving bowls. Garnish with sliced green onions for an added burst of flavor. If you like a little kick, serve with chili oil or chili flakes on the side!
Enjoy your comforting, flavorful wonton soup! Perfect for sharing and brightening up your day!
Can I Use Different Meats for the Wontons?
Absolutely! While ground pork is traditional, you can use ground chicken, turkey, or even beef. For a vegetarian option, consider using finely chopped mushrooms, tofu, or a mix of vegetables!
How Do I Make the Wontons in Advance?
You can prepare your wontons a day ahead! Once assembled, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Cook them straight from frozen; just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove or in the microwave, and add a splash of broth or water if needed to keep the soup from getting too thick.
Can I Add More Vegetables to the Soup?
Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, snap peas, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them to the broth along with the bok choy, adjusting cooking times as necessary so they’re tender but still vibrant.
